The Environmental Working Group, my favorite resource for sunscreen reviews and safety, has released their Sunscreen Guide for 2011.  They even have an iPhone app you can use in the store.  Take-home-messages for this year:  

• zinc oxide and titanium dioxide remain the safest and most effective ingredients
• avoid oxybenzone, a possible hormone-disrupting chemical sunscreen ingredient
• avoid retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative that can heighten skin-cancer risk
• make sure your sunscreen has good protection for both UVA and UVB rays  

 It appears that there are more sunscreens on the market than ever before, but it can still be hard to find sunscreens that meet the above criteria.  At a certain local supermarket the other day (rhymes with Groger), I could only find one acceptable sunscreen out of the dozens on the shelf.  Over the past year, I have had the best luck with Blue Lizard (CVS, Walgreen's), California Baby (Target, Central Market, Whole Foods), and Badger (Whole Earth Provisions).  Sun-protective clothing and hats are always a good idea, too.  It is definitely the time for fun in the sun, so keep you and your little ones safe this year!